The Pope resigns!
 

Pope Benedict XVI is to resign "because of advanced age." The 85-year-old will be the first head of the Catholic Church to step down in almost 600 years.

Pope Benedict to resign at the end of the month, Vatican says - CNN.com


Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month after nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.

The unexpected development surprised governments, Vatican-watchers and even the 85-year-old's closest aides.

The Vatican says it expects a new Pope to be elected before the end of March, ahead of Easter.

BBC News - Pope Benedict XVI in shock resignation



Pope Benedict XVI of the Roman Catholic Church has decided to resign from his post due to ill health, the Vatican has announced.

"The pope announced that he will leave his ministry at 8:00 pm (19:00 GMT) on February 28," said a Vatican spokesman, Federico Lombardi, on Monday.

Benedict, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, is the 265th pope, and began his papacy on April 19, 2005.

The pope had announced his decision in Latin during a canonisation ceremony on Monday morning, reported Al Jazeera's Sabina Castelfranco from Bologna. She said the move to resign was "something that we have not seen in modern times".

Benedict, 85, said that he no longer had the strength to fulfil his duties, due to his advanced age, according to a statement from the Vatican.

Pope Benedict XVI to resign - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Loose translation from his Latin speech.

"I've had enough of Goodells sh1t"

(Sanctus bells)

We all know the Pope loves the Saints

Re: The Pope resigns!
 

Even Goodell got to il papa.

I have great respect for those who know their limits. Congrats to him.

Re: The Pope resigns!
 

I wish Obama was of similar thought...

Re: The Pope resigns!
 

Ok I quit !

Re: The Pope resigns!
 

Question remains... do they use the Rooney Rule for a replacement?

Re: The Pope resigns!
 

Good Question

Re: The Pope resigns!
 

For a few days now, I've been trying to incorporate the, "does the Pope sh#t in the woods?" concept into some sort of witty response, and nothing ... nada, drawing a total blank. IDK if it's because somewhere in the back of my mind I secretly respect the sanctity of the office, if it's because I fear lightning bolts from the sky or if I've just been struck dumb by some mysterious, evangelical force ...